The Potty Plotters Plotcast - Growing on the Allotment

S2 E40 - The Last Of The Season

Join Elaine and Julia in the final episode of season two of the Potty Plotters Plotcast! As they wrap up the year with episode 40, the duo reflects on the ups and downs of the gardening season. With a touch of humour, they discuss their attempts at drying loofahs and the mishaps that ensued. If you’ve had better luck with your green loofahs, they’d love to hear your tips!
As the winter months approach, the plotters share practical advice on pruning apple and pear trees, and the importance of timing and technique to ensure a fruitful harvest next year. Julia offers insights into the best practices for clearing plots, emphasizing the need to tackle those pesky perennial weeds before they take over.
Elaine and Julia also discuss the benefits of using cat litter to dry dahlia tubers, a quirky yet effective method to prepare for the next growing season. As they prepare to take a break until February, they encourage listeners to stay engaged by reaching out with questions and updates on their own gardening adventures.
 
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A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

S2 E39 - The One Where Gareth Loses Control

Join Elaine and Julia for a whimsical yet insightful episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast. As the autumn leaves paint the allotment in vibrant hues, the duo reflect on the beauty of the season's changes. From the striking red foliage of blueberry bushes to the fern-like asparagus beds, the plotters are captivated by nature's poetry.
The episode takes a culinary turn as Julia shares her laminated recipe cards, revealing her method for creating a delicious spiced pumpkin cake. Gareth contributes with a versatile egg fried rice recipe, perfect for using up allotment-grown vegetables. Lisa from Nottingham sends in her roasted tomato and pasta dish, showcasing the bounty of the harvest season.
Elaine offers a masterclass in making raspberry jam, emphasising the simplicity of using just raspberries and granulated sugar. The plotters also discuss the importance of replenishing soil nutrients after heavy rains, with tips on using farmyard manure and chicken pellets to enrich the garden for the next growing season.
In a quirky twist, Elaine experiments with drying dahlia tubers using cat litter, while Julia contemplates the fate of her frost-affected loofah plants. 
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Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk
A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

S2 E38 - Old Books; Splitting Rhubarb; And The Return of Rob Rose

Julia and Elaine are back with another delightful episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast. In this episode, they embark on a nostalgic journey through old gardening books, discovering that despite the years, the core principles of gardening remain unchanged. They chat about the enduring wisdom found in these books and marvel at the simplicity of past gardening tips.
The episode takes a humorous turn as they discuss the unexpected results of saving seeds from last year's pumpkins, leading to a quirky variety of squashes in Elaine's greenhouse. The conversation highlights the importance of buying seeds from recognised suppliers to ensure consistency in your harvest.
Weather takes centre stage as Rob Rose, the local weather presenter, joins the plotters to discuss the unpredictable weather patterns, the impact of the jet stream, and the science behind the possibility of snow. Rob's insights into the wettest September on record and his light-hearted banter with Julia and Elaine add a cheerful touch to the episode.
Elaine shares her plans to relocate her rhubarb patch due to waterlogging, offering practical advice on how to divide and replant rhubarb crowns. Julia and Elaine emphasise the importance of giving rhubarb a year to settle before harvesting.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the differences between pumpkins and squashes, and tips on how to store squashes for the winter. The plotters invite listeners to share their favourite recipes for the next episode, promising a focus on delicious dishes made from homegrown produce.
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Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk
A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

S2 E37 - Murder on the Plot, Beans and Medlars

Elaine and Julia are back with another lively episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast! This time, they kick off with a humorous discussion about the burning season on the allotment and the potential for a murder mystery game inspired by Cluedo, but with a plot twist. They brainstorm how the podcast could be integrated into the game, making it a unique experience for listeners.
The episode takes a turn towards practical gardening advice, as Elaine and Julia delve into the art of dealing with snapdragons and the versatile nature of borlotti beans. Julia shares her method for drying and saving seeds for next year, while Elaine discusses the importance of cutting down summer fruiting raspberries and the intricacies of managing raspberry canes for future harvests.
As always, listener questions are addressed, including a quirky suggestion from Tracy about using odd socks to protect corn cobs from pests. The episode also explores the peculiar fruit known as medlars, with Elaine and Julia considering the potential of making medlar jelly from the overlooked fruit.
Gareth joins the conversation with an update on his garlic planting progress, sparking a discussion about the care and maintenance of garlic over the winter months. The episode wraps up with a preview of what's to come in the next instalment, including discussions on splitting rhubarb crowns and dealing with squashes and pumpkins.
If you enjoy the Plotcast and would like to support us to keep going, head to https://ko-fi.com/thepottyplotters
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Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk 
A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

S2 E36 - Lasagne, Tights and Where Is The Weatherman?

Elaine and Julia are back with another lively episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast. In this episode, they welcome new neighbours Glynis and Trevor to plot number 32 and discuss the noisy yet charming atmosphere of their allotment.
The trio dives into the practicalities of using IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) for water storage on the plot, offering tips on how to keep the water clean and algae-free.
The conversation then shifts to the weather, with Gareth attempting to fill in for the absent weatherman Rob Rose.
Elaine and Julia guide Gareth through the process of creating a "lasagne" pot, layering bulbs like alliums, tulips, and muscari for a beautiful spring display. They also offer practical advice on protecting bulbs from pests using tights and chicken wire.
The episode wraps up with tips on caring for dahlias after a frost, including how to cut them down and store them for winter. They also discuss the benefits of sprout tops and how to manage Brussels sprouts for a bountiful harvest.
If you enjoy the Plotcast and would like to support us to keep going, head to https://ko-fi.com/thepottyplotters
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Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk
A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

S2 E35 - Seeds, Sweat Peas, and Spring Bulbs

Elaine and Julia are back, and this time they're recording outside at the beginning of October. They kick off by discussing the unfortunate fate of Gerry's sweet corn, stripped by magpies, and move on to updates from last week's episode. Gareth, shares his experience with poached pears and planting garlic in tubs.
We provide tips on how to salvage green pumpkins and prepare them for Halloween. The conversation shifts to the importance of organizing seeds, with Elaine revealing her clever method of storing them in a wardrobe and the benefits of using shower caps to protect spring bulbs from squirrels.
The episode also covers the perennial nature of chili plants and how to overwinter them, along with a discussion on overwintering broad beans, peas, and onions. The duo debates the merits of taking a gardening break during winter versus continuing to plant hardy varieties.
Elaine and Julia also remind listeners to send in their recipes using produce from their allotments for an upcoming episode.
If you enjoy the Plotcast and would like to support us to keep going, head to https://ko-fi.com/thepottyplotters
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Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk
A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

S2 E34 - Storing Your Apples and Growing Garlic

Elaine and Julia are back with another engaging episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast!
In this episode, they tackle a listener’s question from Alix in Bristol about the pros and cons of using fabric pots and air pruning for patio gardening. Elaine shares her experiences with fabric pots and explains why she prefers reusing plastic pots. Julia dives into the concept of air pruning and its benefits for root development, particularly for sweet peas and trees.
The conversation takes a delightful detour into the world of pears, with Elaine sharing tips on how to poach and serve them. They also discuss the challenges of growing wedding flowers and offer practical advice for those considering DIY wedding bouquets.
Elaine and Julia address common plot disasters, from misplaced trees to collapsing sheds, and share their own experiences with wind-damaged archways and overgrown perennial beds. They emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes and planning ahead.
Also, September is the perfect time to plant garlic – we explain how.
As the episode wraps up, they talk about storing apples for winter and share a top tip for making crumble mix in advance. They also invite listeners to share their favourite recipes and plot disasters for future episodes.
If you enjoy the Plotcast and would like to support us to keep going, head to https://ko-fi.com/thepottyplotters
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Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk
A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

S2 E33 Wildlife On The Plots and Rusty Plants

Elaine and Julia are back, taking refuge in the new summer house at Potty Plotters HQ due to the unseasonably cold September weather. In this episode, they discuss the challenges of managing allotments and gardens during unpredictable weather, with a focus on wildlife and the impact of frost on their beloved dahlias and other plants.
The duo shares their experiences with the recent frost, the importance of timing when planting, and how the weather has affected their harvests this year. They also delve into the joys and frustrations of growing tomatoes and cucumbers, offering tips on how to manage late-season crops.
Julia reveals a clever hack for organizing seed packets, ensuring she always knows what she's planting. They also discuss the importance of planning for next year, even when this year's harvest has been disappointing.
Listener questions are addressed, including advice on dealing with wonky parsnips and exploding sweet peas. Elaine and Julia also talk about the diverse wildlife they encounter on their plots, from ducks and swans to foxes and hedgehogs, and the challenges of managing pests and diseases like powdery mildew and rust.
If you enjoy the Plotcast and would like to support us to keep going, head to https://ko-fi.com/thepottyplotters
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Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk
A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

S2 E32 - Pumpkins, Squashes, and Allotment Laughs

Elaine and Julia return with another delightful episode of the Potty Plotters Plotcast, filled with laughter and practical gardening advice.
This week, they dive into the world of squashes and pumpkins, sharing tips on how to manage these sprawling plants on your allotments. They discuss the importance of lifting pumpkins off the ground to prevent rot and the benefits of turning them to achieve an even colour. The duo also marvel at Eric's impressive squash archway, a true tourist attraction on the plot, and provide insights on how to care for butternut squashes as they ripen.
They touch on the challenges of powdery mildew and offer solutions like homemade sprays and strategic leaf removal. Julia explains the process of taking semi-ripe cuttings from plants like salvias and lavenders, ensuring a bountiful supply of new plants for the next season.
Elaine and Julia also address common allotment problems, including rust on snapdragons and spider mites on aubergines, sharing their tried-and-true methods for managing these issues. The episode wraps up with a look at their recent media appearances and contributions to gardening magazines, highlighting their ongoing commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering a sense of community among gardeners
If you enjoy the Plotcast and would like to support us to keep going, head to https://ko-fi.com/thepottyplotters
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Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk
A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.

S2 E31 - The Bee's Knees

This time Elaine and Julia talk to Thelma Robinson from the Derbyshire Beekeepers Association. Thelma educates listeners on the challenges bees faced this year, the importance of planting for pollinators, and the fascinating behaviour of honeybees. Julia’s curiosity leads to a whimsical discussion on whether bees have knees, adding a touch of humour to the informative segment.
We share invaluable advice for Sarah, a novice gardener from Derbyshire, on starting her allotment journey and selecting the right potato varieties for festive feasts.
The importance of planning and preparing your allotment for winter is highlighted, with suggestions on fruit trees, paths, and maintaining structures.
As the episode wraps up, Elaine and Julia reflect on the joys and challenges of participating in horticultural shows, offering tips on how to present your produce and avoid common pitfalls. From the importance of uniformity to the proper labelling of jams, their experience as judges provides listeners with a comprehensive guide to showcasing their gardening achievements.
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Get in touch: naughtycorner@pottyplotters.uk 
A podcast for help with your allotment or gardening.